Sasanian Chalcedony Stamp Seal with Animal

With flange rim, flared base, stem with collars, and some painted decoration to the rim and neck. 1.67 kg, 21.5 cm high



Ex Abelita family collection, 1980s-2000s.

In a gilt wooden glazed frame with card reveal to both pages; collector's label to reverse with details: 'Dala'il al Khairat Bokhara C.1820. This superb illuminated manuscript is of the popular prayer book, the Dala'il Al Khairat and is thought to have been scribed in Bokhara, some 150 miles from Samarkand. For centuries Bokhara was a centre of Islamic scholarship in Asia. The city had some 360 mosques and nearly 10,000 pupils received their education in 140 madrasas or theological colleges. Many fine manuscripts were scribed there, principally to serve the vibrant Muslim culture. This item is a wonderful example. The script is naskh enclosed in gold clouds, an Indian influence. The central panels are bordered with a meandering vine border of the highest quality. It is sad that about a third of the book was damaged beyond repair. An essential item for collectors, a pearl almost beyond price.' 516 grams, 28.7 x 23.5 cm



Acquired on the UK art market.

Spherical hollow-form pendant with a collar at each end, ribbed body divided into segments with bands of herringbone decoration and bands with raised bosses inlaid with small yellow metal insert, similar inset granules around the lower collar, two ribbed loops at the top. 135 grams, 91 mm



Acquired before 1983. Ex London gallery, 1990s. Private collection, London, UK.